Is Python the "Must Have" Programming Language?

Java, JavaScript, and Structured Query Language (SQL) are the most in-demand programming languages, according to WANTED Analytics. However, Python is growing in demand quickly. Could Python soon replace them as the most in-demand programming language? As of January 2014, overall hiring demand for IT jobs was down 5% compared to the same period in 2013. However, the number of job ads requiring Python skills was up 8.7% compared to the same period last year. Of the most commonly required programming languages, Python was the only one to see a year-over-year increase. While the number of job ads requiring Python skills is increasing, the volume isn't as high as Java, JavaScript, or SQL yet. About 23,400 job ads required Python skills versus about 69,600 for Java, the programming language with the highest demand. We'll have to wait and see how Python demand fluctuates throughout 2014 to see if hiring volume will continue to grow and potentially surpass the other most advertised programming languages.

When filling jobs requiring Python, recruiting is likely to be slightly more difficult. We listed the jobs that most commonly advertise for Python skills and their Hiring Scale scores. Our Hiring Scale measures recruiting difficulty on a scale of 1 - 99, with 99 demonstrating hardest-to-fill. The numbers pictured below represent what each job scores when Python is considered a required skill and when it's not.

Hiring Scale Scores for Jobs that Require Python Skills

SOURCE: WANTED Analytics

Each job listed, except for one, has a higher Hiring Scale score when Python is added as a required skill. The only position with a slightly lower score is Web Developers. Software Developers (Applications) and Computer Programmers have the largest increases in recruiting difficulty when Python is added. However, Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers with Python knowledge are likely to be the most difficult talent to source.

If you're planning on adding candidates with Python skills to your workforce, we looked at the cities with best and worst recruiting conditions to give you a competitive advantage.

Places to Source Python Talent

Worst Places Best Places

SOURCE: WANTED Analytics

The Santa Rosa metro area currently has the least difficult recruiting conditions. This area is experiencing low demand for Python skills. Adversely, San Francisco presents the most difficult recruiting conditions. The Silicon Valley has the highest number of job ads listed for candidates with Python knowledge. Santa Rosa, about 49 miles from San Francisco, would be a favorable alternate location for sourcing talent. Within close proximity to Silicon Valley and having advantageous recruiting conditions, employers can post their job ads in this area to attract talent.

Visit WANTED Analytics to learn how you can identify what Python and other programming languages score in your area.